Steve Conte – The Concrete Jangle Brings NYC Rock Attitude 

Steve Conte is a rock n’roll refugee. A man with a real rock pedigree.

There are certain artists who just define what a New York City rock song should sound like—gritty, full of attitude, yet soaring like the skyscrapers that shape the city’s skyline. 

Legends like Lou Reed, the Ramones, Living Colour, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Patti Smith have delivered music that embodies the pulse of NYC. 

Their work finds that perfect balance of rawness and polish, something that could only come from the five boroughs.

Buy on Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Stream The Concrete Jangle on Spotify

Now, it’s time to add Steve Conte to that list. 

Known for his work with the New York Dolls and Michael Monroe, Conte has built his career by collaborating with a diverse array of iconic artists, from Peter Wolf to Eric Burdon, and even serving as rehearsal vocalist for Paul Simon during Simon & Garfunkel tours. 

His experience and skill come together in his forthcoming album, The Concrete Jangle, a perfect follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2021 release, Bronx Cheer.

The Concrete Jangle: A True NYC Rock Sound

Released on Record Store Day (April 20), The Concrete Jangle is a 10-track album that offers the perfect mix of NYC grit and soaring rock melodies. 

Collaborating with XTC’s Andy Partridge, who co-wrote five tracks including the new single “Shoot Out The Stars,” Conte’s latest work feels like the ultimate summer soundtrack. The songs on this album are perfect for cruising down the highway or amping up the energy at a late-night party.

The album kicks off with the vibe of an early 1980s Saturday night dance party—the kind of commercial-free, hit-filled FM radio broadcast that transports you to a time when rock ruled the airwaves. It’s packed with the kind of energy that makes you want to crank up the volume and dream about playing guitar like a rock star.

A True Collaboration

Conte is joined on the record by a killer supporting cast, including his brother on bass and Prairie Prince (known for his work with Todd Rundgren, XTC, and The Tubes) on drums. 

The multi-layered sound that Conte and Partridge have built makes this album feel grand and expansive, far beyond its 10 tracks.

Fittingly, Conte is signed to Steve Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records, a label that’s always been committed to bringing that authentic rock ‘n’ roll spirit to the forefront. Much like labelmate Jesse Malin, Conte’s music isn’t out to save rock and roll—but for anyone who hits “play” on The Concrete Jangle, it will be a direct gateway back to a time when rock truly did rule the world. 

It’s the kind of album that will remind listeners why they fell in love with rock n’ roll, and why some of us wish we could pick up a guitar and play along.

Some can! The rest play air guitar!

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Conte’s work or discovering his music for the first time, The Concrete Jangle is a groovy collection of tunes. 

Expect to be transported back to the golden age of rock while also hearing something fresh and exciting. 

This record may not be out to reinvent the genre, but it will reignite the passion for rock ‘n’ roll in anyone who listens.

Reviews:

“(The Concrete Jangle) strikes a resonant chord.”- Classic Rock Magazine 

“The hooks everywhere you look on “The Concrete Jangle”- Maximum Volume Music 

“Oozing with energy and rock ‘n’ roll spirit, The Concrete Jangle is sure to captivate fans from every era of Steve’s triumphant career. Potentially his best album to date, it’s elevated to new heights by the remarkable songwriting chemistry between him and Andy Partridge.”- God Is In The TV 

“The Melodies are constant and at every turn and the pop songs wear many outfits from bluesy rockers or more punky-edged songs”- RPM Online 

“Steve Conte and The Concrete Jangle: The Sound of New York City Rock. These songs have attitude and grit, but find a way to sparkle and soar like skyscrapers.”- Copper Magazine 

“A wonderful mix of gritty rock and melodic pop.”- Blogcritics 

“Filled to the brim with singalong choruses and hummable melodies galore, coupled with massive jangly geetar riffs and hooks big enough to catch a blue whale at half a mile distance.”- Uber Rock 

“An Essential listen all the way through.”- I Don’t Hear A Single 

“These are really high quality pop songs that are built around super strong melodies. We shouldn’t be surprised that this is a great album as Steve Conte is such a talented artist. But even so, the fact that he seems to be able to effortlessly turn his hand to such a variety of musical styles is just so impressive. This is an essential purchase.”- The Soul of A Clown 

“A glorious fusion of soulful Anglo-American rocking power pop.”. – RockFiend 

“Overall, “The Concrete Jangle” is a testament to Conte’s evolution as an artist, delivering a collection of tracks that resonate with themes of truth, love, and the timeless essence of rock ‘n’ roll. With its blend of garage band grit and melodic sensibility, this album is a must-listen for fans of classic rock and modern indie alike.”- Rock News 

“Steve Conte Strikes Gold with ‘The Concrete Jangle’: A Retro-Futuristic Odyssey”- New HD Media

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support!